WHY SMALL IS GREAT

Small firms and their distinctive offerings provide custom products and services that are otherwise unavailable, are a convenience for residents and visitors to our state and help create the community character and local charm that defines our hometowns.

Learn more about the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center

Entrepreneurial ventures provide hundreds of thousands of jobs in Georgia for both business owners and employees. Small businesses not only supply principal incomes for families, but also meet unique needs for part-time employment, temporary employment, supplementary income or that first job opportunity. The innovation and creativity that entrepreneurs deliver to the marketplace appear in all types of businesses, and whether high tech or personal services, these engines of economic growth are found in every big city and small town throughout Georgia.

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) assists thousands of entrepreneurs every year across our state. The UGA SBDC is a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and partnering institutions (Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Clayton State University, Valdosta State University, Georgia Southern University, University of West Georgia and Morehouse College).

The UGA SBDC provides business training and one-onone consulting to small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs. Over the past five years, individuals who have sought assistance from the UGA SBDC have created more than 1,900 new businesses, added more than 13,000 jobs, raised more than $1.08 billion in loan and equity financing and generated over $9.2 billion in sales.

According to the latest impact study, firms that sought longterm UGA SBDC assistance experienced sales growth of 24.1 perent versus the 10.3 percent growth of a typical Georgia firm and job growth of 17.1 percent versus the 3.7 percent growth of a typical Georgia firm.

Sales Employment

We believe small is great and have produced this report to cover some of the impacts small businesses have in Georgia. This publication provides an overall look at Georgia’s small business environment and shines the spotlight on several noteworthy industries.

Most importantly, this publication helps illuminate the contributions made by Georgia’s entrepreneurs to the economic well-being of all Georgia citizens.